Onanuga Defends Tinubu’s Southern Presidency Amid Criticism
Bayo Onanuga, the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, has dismissed claims of regional marginalization under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration.
Speaking during an interview with Trust Radio, Onanuga described the accusations—particularly those alleging the North has been sidelined—as politically motivated and factually inaccurate.
“Tinubu Deserves Two Terms Like Buhari” – Onanuga
TJ News Nigeria reports that Onanuga argued President Tinubu, like his predecessor Muhammadu Buhari, is constitutionally entitled to two full terms. He cautioned against using ethnic or regional sentiments to truncate a democratically elected presidency.
“This President is a Nigerian. He deserves the same two terms that Buhari had. Let’s not sacrifice the country for personal ambition,” Onanuga said.
Presidency Rejects Marginalization Narrative
Onanuga refuted claims that the North has been marginalized in federal appointments and development projects, calling such narratives “falsehoods fueled by political mischief.”
“You need to get your statistics right. It’s all political mischief designed to undermine the President. There are bad roads across the country, not just in the North,” he said.
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He cited recent security appointments and improvements in northern security zones as evidence of inclusivity in Tinubu’s governance.
Northern Representation Highlighted
According to Onanuga, several top-level security officials in President Tinubu’s cabinet are from the North, including:
- The National Security Adviser
- The Chief of Defence Staff
- Both Ministers of Defence
He noted improvements in security in previously volatile regions like Birnin Gwari and Igabi in Kaduna State, stating:
“Places like Birnin Gwari and Igabi are now safer. I drove from Kaduna to Abuja without incident, a journey that was once unthinkable.”
Background Context
President Tinubu has faced criticism from some northern interest groups and political actors who allege lopsided appointments and underrepresentation of northern communities. However, the presidency maintains that appointments and project executions are based on merit, national unity, and security priorities.
Bayo Onanuga’s comments mark one of the strongest public defences of the Tinubu administration’s federal character and political balance amid ongoing public discourse.
